Positions outside bedside nursing

[imsotired]

Hi, I've been working for a medical floor of a hospital (2 years fulltime after graduating from nursing school. Currently per diem) for 5 years as an RN. I am also working fulltime as an financial analyst for a hospital accounting department (I have CPA). I want to take advantage of 2 specialties, nursing and accounting, but I am having tough time... I checked into a nurse auditor position, but looks like I need either coding or care management experiences. If you can sugget me career options, I will really appreciate it. Thank you.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I would encourage you to move into case management - that's where clinical care and reimbursement cross paths. Your skills and knowledge would be a huge asset. Many case managers begin their careers by becoming involved in their employer's discharge planning process... volunteering to serve on committees or task forces is one way through that door.

Hang in there & be persistent. With the advent of 'value based purchasing', most health care providers are creating departments to maximize care processes for better patient care outcomes. In order to do this, they have to have the ability to accurately analyze the costs of their services & determine where to make improvements.... This would be your niche!!!

Due to the newness of this area, job titles aren't very standard yet. Pay attention to job listings with like "care transition nurse" , "clinical analyst" , "outcomes management', "process effectiveness" or some other creatively ambiguous title. Chances are, these are the types of positions that you're looking for.

Best of luck in your career transition.

[nursemaddie]

I have 20+ years in accounting/finance (not a CPA), and I'm looking for the same thing (well, not on your level, obviously). From what I've been able to ascertain, case management is the way to go. Good luck! I hope we both find what we're looking for! :)